The Proton 1 Tank Adventure is back for its second year running and to kick things off, the first opening preliminary round took place over the Malaysia Day weekend where 30 cars took part in a 650km adventure from Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE) to Johor Bahru AND back! (more…)
Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many fuel economy runs were organized by clubs and leading car companies would participate to demonstrate how economically their models could run. However, on the matter of fuel consumption, most Malaysian motorists didn’t seem to take much interest as the price of petrol was low. So, before long, economy runs faded out but for the car companies, there were other selling points to promote.
Now Proton is reviving the economy run activity with new approaches. The inaugural edition of the event that was known as the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ last year focused mainly on routes in Peninsular Malaysia but the 2019 competition will feature 2 rounds in East Malaysia (one each in Sabah and Sarawak). The Grand Final will see participants embark on a journey from Kota Bharu to Johor Bharu using just a single tank of fuel.
This second running of the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ invites Proton owners to experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of Malaysia while driving economically. It will commence on September 14, 2019 with 3 preliminary rounds and a Grand Final. The participants will consist of owners of the 2019 Proton Iriz, Persona and Saga as well as invited media members and celebrities. Over RM100,000 worth of prizes are waiting to be won this year.
Demonstrate real-world fuel efficiency
One of the main aims of the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ is to demonstrate the real-world fuel efficiency of the current range of Proton cars. Participants will be required to drive their cars over a variety of roads and traffic conditions to deliver fuel economy figures that can be replicated by other owners on a daily basis.
“Proton would like to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars by embarking on some epic journeys around the country. These figures won’t be obtained in a controlled environment but in driving conditions owners experience every day. Ultimately, we will prove the current range of Proton cars can deliver fuel economy figures that will help keep running costs low,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton’s CEO.
Showcasing improvements
The ‘1 Tank Adventure’ will also showcase the improvements Proton made to the Iriz, Persona and Saga, models updated and launched in 2019. From incorporating the ‘Hi PROTON!’ voice command system, improving build quality, adding Internet connectivity and creating a variant with the most comprehensive safety equipment list for a car priced below RM40,000, each model has a unique set of characteristics to appeal to its target market.
Additionally, the participants will get to test the dynamic capabilities of the cars during driving sessions held at each round. They will perform maneuvers in a safe and controlled environment and for many, it will be the first time they experience the limits of tyre adhesion. The aim of the exercise is to show the participants what their own cars are capable of, thus reinforcing the message about Protons having class-leading dynamics.
“We would like to use the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ to remind Malaysians there are many factors to consider when buying a car. Proton has updated its entire range in 2019 and this is a great opportunity to travel around the country to show everyone the result of our hard work. With revised styling, improved quality, better handling and ride comfort as well as higher equipment levels and value for money, we have models to suit every budget and need,” added Dr. Li.
For more information and updates on the event, visit www.proton.com.
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There’s a new Proton 3S Centre in Kuantan, Pahang and it’s the third one to be opened in the state’s capital city. Operated by Pesat Auto CTM Sdn Bhd (Pesat Auto), the Proton 3S Centre carries Proton’s new corporate identity.
With an investment of RM2.3 million, the 750m² area consists of six bays and four hoists which will help to boost sales and services by up to 30% and 40% respectively as it is located along the town’s main road. (more…)
Proton is on a roll with their current sales growth heading upwards. Just last month, they’ve successfully registered 9,127 units which represents a Total Industry Volume (TIV) share of 17.6% for the month of August. As for year-on-year, sales growth now stands at 36% as compared to the same period in 2018 where Proton’s TIV actually shrunk by 5.8%. (more…)
A newly upgraded Proton 3S Centre in Jelutong, Penang is now officially opened by Autobinee Oriental Sdn Bhd which offers sales, service, and spare parts. The new facility offers better total ownership experience as part of Proton’s network strategy rollout. (more…)
The beginning of the Malaysian car industry can be considered to have started in the mid-1960s when the government introduced its first policy for the automotive industry. The policy set a strategic direction with the implementation of preferential tariffs for carmakers that assembled their vehicles locally, as well as used parts obtained in Malaysia. It was one of the moves to take the country’s economy from being agriculture-based to industry-based.
Response was good from the carmakers and by the end of the 1960s, a number of assembly plants were operating and producing a variety of models. However, the majority of these plants were in Peninsular Malaysia – clustered in the Klang Valley and in Johor. This was because vehicle demand in Peninsular Malaysia was growing rapidly.
The East Malaysian states, on the other hand, were still largely lacking a proper road network and potential sales were also not high back then. Commercial vehicles and 4×4 vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux were more popular than cars.
So while the development of the sales and service network was more active in Peninsular Malaysia, it was slow in Sabah and Sarawak. This is not to say that the states were neglected by the car companies, but it was a matter of the number of vehicles sold and the number of supporting outlets needed.
Today, however, the East Malaysian market has grown substantially as the economies of the two states have advanced. This has been helped by the better roads and road network and rather than travel in bumpy light commercial vehicles, many East Malaysians now prefer passenger cars with more comfort.
Sabah gets Proton’s first flagship 4S centre
Perhaps in recognition of this progress, Proton chose the state of Sabah for its first flagship 4S centre in Malaysia. The brand new outlet is operated by Fook Loi Corporation (Sabah) Sdn Bhd and has a distinctive Corporate Identity that is associated with the new Proton which has come about following the partnership with Geely.
Setting up a dealership requires millions of ringgit in investment and as Proton has shown that the brand is on the ascendancy with rapidly growing sales, businessmen now see being a Proton dealership it as a viable investment.
“Deciding to become a Proton dealer was not difficult because we see the potential for Proton in Sabah. The current range of Proton models is highly competitive and technologically advanced with features that appeal to the new generation of car buyers,” said Thomas Chiu Kui Yin, Group Executive Director of Fook Loi.
Additional Body & Paint services
Seeing much potential in the aftersales business, Fook Loi chose to go all the way and be a 4S outlet. This means it offers customers an added Body & Paint service for the repainting and restoration of vehicles to Proton’s standards when they have been damaged.
Every aspect of the outlet adheres to Proton’s objective of giving customers a great experience and is spacious, comfortable as well as pleasing to the eye. It offers free wifi, a kids’ corner, ample parking space and a coffee area. Equally important, the outlet has well trained sales and service staff who can provide a high quality customer experience.
“These may seem like simple requirements, but they are critical ones. When customers walk into our showroom or service centre, they would like to be greeted by smiling faces and a beautifully lit area. This will then set the tone for more meaningful conversations and customers will feel welcomed and appreciated. Since outlets are our first point of contact, numerous steps have been taken to ensure that a wholesome experience starts here. These efforts have paid off. Our sales have been on an increasing trend and with our new products, we are confident that we are on track for the company’s return to profitability,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
Team Proton R3 (R3), Proton’s racing and rallying division, has announced a lady racers search and mentorship programme for teams competing in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) series. The programmes are in partnership with MSF, the largest grassroots motorsports event in the country. Both programmes aim to develop motorsports at grassroots level by leveraging on R3’s experience built up over many years of competition.
“At Proton, we value our competition heritage and acknowledge our cars remain a popular choice at all levels of racing and rallying. We invest to compete in local and international events because we believe motorsports is a fertile environment to develop the best engineers. The lady drivers search and mentor programmes are just the starting point and we hope our efforts will spur more involvement from other automotive companies to develop the local racing scene,” added Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
Giving back to Malaysia’s racing community
R3 is the only manufacturer-supported racing team in Malaysia and in over 15 years of experience, Proton’s performance arm has collected a string of accolades to its name. Their resume is highlighted by wins in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and class victories at the World Rally Championship (WRC) level.
Domestically, the team has two overall Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) wins to its name as well as four Sepang 1000km (S1K) victories, a record unmatched by any other automotive brand.
Sharing wealth of experience
With such a long list of accolades, R3 now aims to share its wealth of experience via the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search and MSF-R3 Mentor Programme. This will allow Malaysian racing drivers and teams access to information, team management and car development techniques that will help to elevate their performance and lead them to success at national level events.
It is also an opportunity to discover talented lady racers and nurture their careers, giving them a good head start in a male dominated arena. Putting women behind the wheel and mentoring racing teams. While many Malaysian racing drivers have competed in regional and international events, almost all of them have been male-dominated. Proton and R3 would like to change the narrative and give lady drivers a chance to shine in motorsports.
Starting off with three
From an initial pool of participants, three will be offered an opportunity to develop as racing drivers and participate in the 2019 edition of the S1K race, driving a Team Proton R3-prepared car. Selections will be based on how contestants perform in a series of on and off-track activities and will include being judged on criteria such as discipline, teamwork and commitment aside from their skill behind the wheel.
As for the mentor programme, selected drivers and teams competing in the MSF SuperTurismo races using Proton vehicles will be supported by Team Proton R3 personnel for the remaining 3 events this year. Though each team will be independently managed, R3 will provide technical and set-up know-how before and during the race, with the specific aim to improve their performance and inculcate best industry practices.
“Our long history of competing means there is a wealth of knowledge at Team Proton R3’s disposal. At the same time, we want to get more involved at the grassroots level as we feel Proton and R3 should play a bigger role in the development of motorsports in Malaysia. These two separate programmes will allow us to be involved on two fronts simultaneously while also showcasing the ability of Proton cars to compete in races” said Gary Lee, Head of Team Proton R3.
Drivers and teams for MSF-R3 Racers Mentor Programme:
Mohd Hafiz Saad #248
Nik Shahrul Fadli Nik Mansor #141
Alban Raymond De Sauza #16
Muhammad Faishal Othman #180
Md. Shah Hashim #387
Contestants for the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search:
Ng Aik Sha
Samanda Lee
Nurul Husna Nasharuddin
Nursharina Nor Ramlle
Dayangku Faratiwan Adnil
Rozana Rahmat
Umi Nasirah Sulaiman
Zaidah Mohd Ishak
Nor Azirah Mohd Azhar
Click here to know more about Proton’s motorsports activities
Every car company wants to sell as many vehicles as possible and each year, there is the expectation that there will be more deliveries than the year before. However, as some companies have discovered to their regret, the pursuit of more and more sales without equal attention to expanding the aftersales network – especially authorised service centres – can create problems for customers. Lack of advance planning to cope with an increased number of new vehicles requiring regular servicing will mean customers have to wait longer for an appointment.
Push to upgrade network for future
One of the first things which Proton did after it had Geely as a partner was to review its entire network and upgrade it. Though there were many dealers all over the country, not all were offering the full range of services for customers and in order to enhance the ownership experience, Proton aimed to get its network to be majority 3S/4S outlets. This meant that they would have sales, service and spare parts (3S) at one location, and those with additional space would also have extra services such as painting and body repair (4S).
The initiative was initially met with resistance as it required large investments. There were many small dealers who had just a showroom in a single shoplot and were satisfied just selling a few cars a month all the while. They didn’t understand that with additional investment to upgrade their dealership, they could grow their business further and derive extra income from aftersales services. Instead, their customers were being ‘stolen’ by dealerships which would look after their needs and probably sell them their next Proton. So these one-shoplot dealerships (referred to as ‘1S’ in the industry) could never grow as the only money they made was from the sale of the car. As those in the car business will tell you, there is much more money to be made in the aftersales side.
Proton’s CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong, pushed hard for the upgrades in spite of criticism by certain groups but he explained that it was necessary to prepare the network for growth and to ensure that customers would have a better ownership experience. There was no point in developing better models if the aftersales support was poor and people felt the brand image was not something they were proud of.
100 3S/4S outlets to date
With the opening of a new outlet in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, recently, Proton now has 100 3S/4S outlets nationwide, which makes it the brand with the largest such network. The new 3S outlet at the Oakland Industrial Park was built with an investment of approximately RM4 million. Located near the Seremban 2 Township, it is surrounded by new malls and housing areas which already have many Proton owners and will have many more in future.
“What we have achieved is the culmination of hard work, dedication and commitment by the entire Proton family, from our vendors, dealers and talents in the company. From the beginning, we held the belief that to progress, we need sufficient outlets, good products, great technology in our cars and talent to manage the expectations of the company,” said Dr. Li.
“The results speak for themselves. Our sales have soared and we have since reclaimed the second spot since April this year. Total sales for the month ending July stand at 52,269 units compared to 35,561 in the same period last year, which equates to 47% growth in overall year-on-year sales,” he added.
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Visit www.proton.com to locate showrooms and service centres in Malaysia
Each person has their special days – birthdays, anniversaries, etc – which they celebrate each year. But for all Malaysians, August 31 is celebrated by everyone to mark the day when the country became independent in 1957. Many companies have special activities or in the case of Proton, create something special for the occasion.
62 units for 62nd year
For this year’s 62nd Merdeka celebration, the Malaysian carmaker has created its first limited production SUV – the X70 Merdeka Edition. Only 62 units are available at RM126,100 each. Customers can choose from two exterior colour choices – Snow White or Flame Red.
The number of units available naturally coincides with the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Proton expects that all units will be taken up during August, especially since demand for the X70 continues to be high.
Similar spec level to Premium variant
Mechanically, the X70 Merdeka Edition is identical in specification to the Premium variant of the SUV. The exclusive items are the exterior styling package and some additional interior trim.
For the exterior, a signature paint finish called Quartz Black has been added to the roof and A-pillar. Door visors have also been added all-around together with a rear bumper scuff plate and, as a finishing touch, a customised Merdeka Edition emblem has been mounted on the tailgate.
Unique numbered emblem for each unit
Inside, there are exclusive floormats, a mat in the cargo area and a special numbered Merdeka Edition emblem to identify each unit uniquely. The Nappa leather seats and glass roof along with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) found on the Premium variant are all present in the Merdeka Edition.
“The Proton X70 Merdeka Edition was born out of Proton’s desire to celebrate Malaysia’s Merdeka anniversary month. We are extremely thankful for the support Malaysian car buyers and the Malaysian government have shown to Proton, so this is the company’s way of creating a special version of the Proton X70 as a small gesture of thanks to all Malaysians,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
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Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom in Malaysia to see the various models available
The folks from Proton have finally unveiled the updated 2019 Proton Saga earlier today in true spectacular fashion at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur. Paired with the tagline, “Intelligent Proposition”, the updated Saga comes with a host of upgrades in terms of looks and equipment. (more…)
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